Overcoming the Biggest Hurdle.... the KIDDOS

GOOD MORNING

is my greeting for little man. He's usually not up when I'm getting ready but on this particular day I hear little feet down the hallway.  He peeks in and asks me where I'm going.  I tell him, “Today I am going to work” [and my heart breaks a little].  He shatters it with the pouty face, “But I don't want you to go.”  The tears start to well up, “I'm going to be sad.”  Your heart breaking with mine yet?  Talk about a stop at guilt trip station!  The teacher in me redirects and I tells him “it's only a few hours and your favorite sitter is coming to play with you.”  Daddy gives him a pep talk, he is satisfied and walks away to his room. 

BE STILL

the kids will be fine.... but when I get back, they kinda aren't.  After my work day [it’s only three hours] I come home to two emotionally full kiddos, crying, and tired.  I put Cindy on my lap and snuggle her.  When I ask what is wrong she says “I didn’t want you to go.  I miss you and you’re going to leave always.”  OH BOY!  I put both down for a nap and started to clean & pray.  

[as you can guess this was before I left]

BE STILL

and know that I AM God.  He is God, and he knows all so I start asking WHY… Why all the tears and distress from Cindy.  God, this is a girl who tried to give me the boot at parent’s day when she was only two and going to preschool.  Ms. independent who begs me to let her take the bus and reassures me that I don't have to stay and watch her three-hour gymnastics practice.  She’s been without me for three hours plenty of times.

As I'm folding a green dish cloth the answer comes, because you are leaving her.  In all those memories, she was always the one leaving me.  She was in control and had the choice.  This was totally new to them since I have only worked from home and insecurities were welling up inside.

COMMUNICATE

is what I failed to do.  I had done a good job preparing the kids physically for the change.  We practiced routines, packed lunches, set out games, but I didn’t prepare them emotionally.  Maybe because they are still little I didn’t even think about communicating what they should expect and share with them reason why I was going to work.

And so, the explanations and planner came out.  I reassured them that every day I would be home by lunch and as soon as I got home we would read books altogether.  We made plans on what we would do when I come home, play legos, Barbies, and UNO.  We plugged in a mommy and me date into the planner and we all felt a little better.

DREAM

is what we did later that day on our drive to gymnastics when it was just the two of us.  I shared with her our family dream of a place we can call home and in order to make that happen mommy has to work a little.  She added to the dream and insisted on having a basement, a pool with a slide.  There should be a movie room with a cotton candy machine and we will host lots of parties.  Additions I approve of HA!

I shared with her that just like I am able to bless, teach, and love them, I will be able to that for so many more kiddos!  I bridged the gap and made her part of my work.  She was giddy about being be able to visit the classroom during open house and meet the kids that will be part of my mornings. 

ADJUSTMENTS

are hard and change is challenging but necessary for growth.  This week I can say we all did a little growing and I'm happy to report I'm pretty confident these little munchkins are going to adjust to this new life just fine.  

Until next time,

The big BUT (and my new adventure)

The last few months Randy and I have been throwing around the idea of me going back to work.  I really really really and I mean REALLY love staying home with the kiddos and I LOVE my chillax life.  Stay at home mom life can have its challenges but for the most part it’s pretty darn awesome. 

BUT

When we sit and dream about the future and the life we want to build, I realize that in order to reach some of those goals there have to be some sacrifices made.  Some sacrifices that require more than just cutting the budget and spending less.  SO on my 2017 goal list I put down, This year I will make $2,484 dollars to put towards our DREAM  HOME fund.  I laughed at that number a few times mockingly questioning why I even wrote it as a goal.  How can I do that if I quit working from home this year?

BUT

there were more talks and prayer.  God can you make a way for me to even reach that goal?  God if I am suppose to go back to teaching you’ll have to place that desire back into my heart because I really don’t want to.  If I go back to work... it has to be part time at the preschool Randy goes to.  I have to be able to bring him in with me and be out of school in time to pick up Cindy.  The job has to be close to home.  I want an easy adjustment not a drastic one.  All these requests as if I had the right to really ask God for specifics of what I wanted in a job. 

BUT

Somehow it happened.  With a text from a cousin telling that a new place was opening and I should apply, an out dated resume [and I mean for real my resume is 7 year old], an interview and BOOM in the course of a month I have exactly the job I prayed for.  For real ya'll every single thing on my prayer list met and my 2017 goal will be reached.  As for the heart thing, God was working on that too.  Earlier this year had started hosting little home school sessions for little Randy with some friends and it totally brought back my passion to teach.

(shopping for first day of school outfits)

WHY?

And as for the why.  Why go back to work if I really really love being home and DON’T actually have to?  Because of the dream.  I want to be an active participant in building that dream home.  Maybe our constant moving lifestyle makes me yearn for a forever place.  Whatever the reason, that is our dream.  A home where we can host more and offer people a place of rest and fellowship.  A home where the kids will always want to come back to and one we can pass along to them when we're old and wrinkly.  It’s a home uniquely designed for our special family.  There'll be a back yard  that has way too many Weber grills and smokers, a fire pit for me and the kitchen with a big window, farmhouse sink, wood island where we can all cook together.  Sigh*  I like to dream big.

God answered my desire to start making this dream a reality not by ascending a set of keys down from heaven to our dream house, but by giving me the opportunity to partner with him on this new working mom adventure.

On top of the dream, I’m going back because I know our home is the center of my world but it isn’t my whole world.  I have the privilege to pour into these two little faces and now I get to do that for oodles more for a few hours a day.

AND

This year is a test run.  If I so happen to hate working or it’s too much for my needy little family [ha!] then I can always go back to being a house wife.  So here's to an awesome year and a new journey towards a dream being built one brick at a time.

Taking a Break From Chips

After the who knows how many gigantic boxes of those snack pack chips I bought at Costco I finally decided it was time to TAKE A BREAK.  About two months ago I took a break from buying those little snack bags of chips.  40 bags gone in a week [okay I'm exaggerating] but my kids are chip hounds!  

Like Dr. Suess would say, chips here, chips there, chips everywhere!  Instead of more chips for the month I splurged on a new kids bento to motivate myself to pack healthier snacks and lunches, chip free.  I've always loved this particular bento with its cute little slots and design.  I am happy to report that I love YUM BOX even more than I thought I would and so did the kids. 

It's just so cute and really fun.  I've been more intentional about packing fresh food and less bagged.  A little bento encouragement to eat a little healthier.  This is a breakfast for lunch.  Actually it was her left over sausage and egg burrito.   Ended up being a great lunch idea.  You can find the grocery list before.  

Grocery List

Tortillas

Eggs 

Sausages

Cheese 

Salsa 

Gogurt 

Baby Bell cheese

Gogurt 

Fruit (grapes, blueberries, strawberry) 

Marshmallows 

Celery & Peanut Butter

Now you should know, I'm not against chips and one day I'll buy some snack bags again, but this chip break and bento has really inspired me to create some fun fresh food combinations.  

Hello 30!

I joke about dreading 30 but I actually welcome it with open arms.  HELLO 30!!  

[starbucks and a birthday dress, silliness in the dressing room is my yearly tradition]

[twenty six,   twenty eight,   twenty nine]

 This last year,  God held up a mirror and I saw myself.  Defined by no one but Him; in that mirror I saw me as He sees me.  My strengths and imperfection.  I could see the person that he is shaping me to be.  It became my reality that he loves me just the way I am no more no less.  The biggest lesson learned was that good or bad, each day is a new day to learn and lean on God. 

That mama in the mirror is redeemed, a daughter of the king of kings, full of life, hope and purpose.  My confidence is found in who He says I am.  I lack nothing because time and time again I've seen God provide physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I know he always will.  I continue to see the power of the word and it's truth.  I know I cannot live on bread alone but in every word that comes from the mouth of God.  

For the first time ever I haven't felt guilty about my occupation.  I haven't felt the need to do more, be more.  I am fully enjoyed every fleeting moment of being at home.  Nothing makes me more proud than to say I am a stay at home wife to the best husband, a stay at home mom to these crazy kids.  

And with that I leave you with the top 7 things I learned and have told myself this year: 

1.  Don't be so defensive and easily angered.  Crazy angry outbursts... not cute. 

2.  Be faithful in the little things. 

3.  Stop trying to change people or make them better.  Love them for who they are.  

4.  Don't live life based on how you feel.  Do what is RIGHT and what you need to do even if you don't feel like it.   

5.  Verbalize expectations or don't have them at all.  

6.  Without focus you'll go in a million different directions accomplishing nothing but a little of everything.  Set goals and aim for them.  STOP starting projects and not finishing them.  

7.  You can't give your family what you don't have.  You can't teach them what you haven't learned.  So never stop learning! 

Here's to another wonderful year full of new lessons!  As Joyce would say, I may not be where I need to be but thank God I'm not where I use to be

Alphabet Letter Sliders

Don't you love the things you find when you're looking for a last minute activity for the littles?

  I found two awesome websites with treasures...  free printables to use for learning at home.  This letter slider for the little men found HERE was perfect for assessing which letters they knew.  I called our a letter and they put it on the bunny's belly.  

 Would also be fun for learning letters, letter sounds, beginning letter sounds, or assessing. 

It was so cute I also let my little lady use it to practice some kid spelling and writing.  

With each letter she wrote a word that started with that letter.  Because I spent a little extra time browsing I also found these word family sliders for the little lady for this summer from HERE.

What is or was your kiddos favorite letter activity?  This mama needs some suggestions! 

Our First Valentines Day

Do you remember your first Valentines Day with your love?  

I was the ripe old age of 16 and that morning at school I was greeted with a teeny tiny box of chocolates, a tiny little bear, and one yellow rose from my boyfriend of one month.  It was the sweetest little gift and I loved it!  I was already on cloud nine but that little stinker had more up his sleeve.  When the bell rang at the end of school, we walked together to our car and there in my silver Hyundai was the biggest bear, a dozen roses, a big box of chocolates, and the sweetest note.  You bet I was over the moon that day... best boyfriend  EVER.

I can happily tell you that my boyfriend now husband still exceeds my expectations and makes my dreams come true.  We may have been together for almost half our lives, married, and run around with rug rats but that doesn't mean romance gets put on the back burner.  Coexisting doesn't produce a strong relationship.  Love is a verb; it's thoughtful and intention.   There are always new ways to learn to show love and that is what the 14 Day Romance Challenge is all about.  

The chapter Speaking His Love Language encouraged me to show my love using all the languages. I challenge you to do the same.  One act for every language.  Like Sharon does at the end of each chapter, I will give you some ideas. 

Words of Affirmation

With the comfort of our relationship I sometimes assume that he already knows how I feel about him. This is the easiest language to speak but one I sometimes forget to express.  

Telling him how handsome he looks in the morning, thank him for being a good provider after he gets home from work.  Sending him a text or email during the day letting him know you are thinking of him.  Taking post its and writing all the reasons why you love him and put it on his mirror.   

Gifts

I confess that I am the worst gift giver.  During this challenge I wanted to treat him to lunch so I packed some cash in his lunch bag.  It doesn't have to be a big gift to be special.  

Get him a book he's been wanting to read, a gift card to a food place so he can go out for lunch or a coffee.  Buy him something from his Amazon wish list.  Bring home his favorite candy or dessert.  

Quality Time

Find something your hubby likes to do and do it with him, without being distracted and without any negative comments.  

Sitting with him during sports games, news, or boy shows.  Going to the gym, going on hikes. 

Acts of Service
For me this comes natural because it is the number one way I show love.  Think of things you can do for your hubby that he would love and do them!

Coming home to clean quiet house, breakfast in bed, pack his lunch for the whole week, clean the cars, organize the garage.  

Physical Touch
I'll leave you in suspense and you'll have to get Sharon's book and read her ideas.  This love language is pretty self explanatory.

It doesn't matter if you've only been married for a year or married for 50, A 14 Day Romance Challenge  is a great book full of ideas on how to be thoughtful and intentional with your love. It reminded me that he wants to feel as important as the items on my to do list and the kids.  As much as women like to be romanced, men do too!  During this challenge I was showing him how much I cared and in return I could feel him doing the same. 

Happy Valentines Day!

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A Birthday Compromise

When it comes to celebrating birthdays we don't always see eye to eye.  I'm a huge party with all the trimmings kind of gal and my hubby is more about the experience.  We made a compromise last year and her 5th birthday was extra special for all of us thanks to him.  He opened my eyes to see the value of birthday experiences.  He gave us the best of both worlds.

 I planned a little birthday bash at home.  A few friends came after school.  No venue, candy bar, guest list, elaborate decorations.  

A Barbie theme was requested by the birthday girl and she picked every little detail out from the fabric on the dress to the cake to the decorations.

 I made the little dresses [one for Reese too].

We did our annual photo shoot. 

Cake was of course crafted in moms kitchen and she asked me to make my favorite one, the Barbie Cake [tutorial HERE].

How cute is it that she picked the Barbie that looked like her?!

They made jewelry, did a little face painting and tattoos.

Presents was the cherry on top.  It was the perfect little party.

That weekend my sister flew in, we drove into the city and took her to see Disney on Ice.

Disney never disappoints.  Even this little nugget sat through the entire thing.

What an awesome show and we ALL loved it!  We have that handsome man to thank for it.  

Last year showed me that every birthday doesn't have to be grand to be special.  Celebrating the birth of our little lady with a family adventure into the city for a show was just as memorable if not more so.  I still love parties but I'm open to making birthday's special with outings like this.

Thanks for stopping by!

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Saving for a Car One Quarter at a Time

Hard to believe that it has almost been a year since I shared the money series.  It's a huge accomplishment for me to actually stick to something that long.  Ha!  Though we tweaked our system and paydays were not always consistent 2016 paved her foundation in finance Dave Ramsey style. 

  Even at five going on six this little lady is well on her way.  I shared with you the reasons why we give our kids an allowance.  We want them to learn firsthand the purpose of money; to give, to spend, to save.  I shared our chore system.  One quarter per chore, paychecks split into the three categories.  

The learning was plenty for the both of us!  We had to be responsible and consistent.  Yes, I said WE.  Most of her chores are contingent on my own so I had to be on top of it.  She learned that her work reflected her pay.  Continually felt the joy of giving.  She LOVED spending.  Evaluated cost of things she wanted and even questioned tithing.  There were lots of great conversations about money.  Paying for chores truly gave her an opportunity to experience money first hand.

I'm most proud that she learned the one thing I failed to in my childhood, the value of saving.  I vow to make sure these kiddos see and experience the importance of planning long term.  One chore, one quarter at a time she saved up $73 towards her future car [her minivan to be specific hehe].  What a testament to turn 16 and be able to buy her own first car with money she saved since she was five.

Every day we have a choice.  We can tell our money where to go or wonder where it went.  We can teach our kiddos about finances or hope they'll figure it out when they get older.  Choose to take action.  If you're interested in Dave Ramsey's plan you can read my reviews HERE and HERE. Other posts related to finances including out own debt free story can be found by clicking the images below.  If your resolution in 2017 is to save more money this is a great place to start!